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Individual Movement Techniques or
IMTs (also known as Infantry Minor
Tactics in Australia) are the most basic tactics that
are employed at the squad, section or platoon level. They are similar in most modern
armies.

In most situations except static defense, IMTs
are based on the principle of fire and
movement. That is, firing and moving, often in pairs, with one
soldier firing to suppress the enemy whilst the other
moves either toward the enemy or to a more favourable position. The
movement is often only 5-10 metres per move. This technique is
sometimes referred to as "pepper-potting" (British/Commonwealth) or
"fireteam rushes" (US).

IMTs are typically taught to all arms and services both in basic
training and often also whilst undergoing non-infantry specialty
training. In some military forces, such as the Australian
Army, the entire British Armed Forces and the United States Marine Corps
all units in the field force regardless of corps, regiment, trade or specialty are supposed to
undergo annual refresher training in IMTs, on the basis that all
soldiers can be expected to at least provide local security for
their unit.

Most IMTs are taught in the form of a battle drill, a series of choreographed
steps that occur automatically in reaction to certain stimuli, such
as sighting an enemy to the front, or being fired upon by an enemy
from the flank. The initial
stages of the drill are always the same and therefore action does
not require full appraisal of the situation. Such stimulus-response
training allows coordinated responses without the need for direct
orders.

In combat, this allows the first few moments of the engagement
to occur almost automatically and gives the soldiers a way to
respond appropriately and predictably while the unit commander
evaluates the situation prior to issuing orders.

Basic
Drill

Perhaps the most basic of all IMTs is the "Basic
Drill". The Basic Drill is one that all individual
soldiers are supposed to perform if they come under fire.

The basic drill is designed to provide a soldier with simple
steps to follow under the stress of combat. The essential goal of
the basic drill is to move the soldier into cover, remove him from
the last position where he was likely to be seen by the enemy, and
keep him positively engaged by identifying and shooting any targets
in range until his commander makes an appraisal and issues
instructions.